Originally posted by Hal9mm
its kinda a lesson that a Platoon Sergeant told me and really is a good way of explaining running a platoon.

Well heck, you can tell I'm not Infantry. I was about to tell you to google FM 7-8;) .

Hal9mm

05-17-2006, 17:12

OK the Team leader doesn't say a ****ing word he leads by example, team members follow the team leader and do as he does.

I just thought it was a good way of explaining how you should follow.

FDC

05-17-2006, 17:19

Originally posted by Hal9mm
OK the Team leader doesn't say a ****ing word he leads by example, team members follow the team leader and do as he does.

I just thought it was a good way of explaining how you should follow.

Works for me, in my old school way of thinking.

Horned Toad

05-18-2006, 16:31

So if the team leader gets shot, whats the team do, stand around with their thumb up their ass or get shot also?

FDC

05-18-2006, 16:45

Originally posted by Horned Toad
So if the team leader gets shot, whats the team do, stand around with their thumb up their ass or get shot also?

They stand around. ;)

Now on the modern battlefield where you can only fit 5 people in an 1114, and the team leader will have to take charge, won't he have to say something?

Squaw Man Wolfer

05-20-2006, 10:59

My info is very, very, old, but here's what I remember. (I was an infantry LT.)

There are times when leaders talk to everybody below them, but at the same time work hard to encourage and develop the leadership below them.

Of course, you have this weird problem with a butter bar LT commanding (hopefully) some experienced professionals.

The platoon sergeant instructs the four squad leaders. In most cases, the weapons squad leader takes over for the PS, if needed. The chain of command between the squad leaders should also be designated, based on experience/senority, if both the PS and the weapons squad leader are gone.

Within a given squad, the chain of command should be designated, but I wonder how often it is.

I suppose that in most cases, the squad leader will directly talk to the whole squad, but should always look for chances to delegate real authority to the fire team leaders.

Back in the mi- 1970's, a lot of fire team leaders weren't that strong, I presume things are better nowadays.